Indian Music and Artists

The biography 'Rahman - The Musical Storm' about A.R. Rahman was written by Kamini Mathai. This book chronicles the life and career of the famous Indian composer. Note: there is a typo in 'biograbhy'.

A.R. Rahman sang his first complete playback song "Humma Humma" for the film Bombay (1995), directed by Mani Ratnam. While he composed music for earlier films like Roja (1992) and Rangeela (1995), Bombay featured his debut as a full playback singer.

Prashantini is a playback singer who was NOT introduced by A.R. Rahman. She was introduced by other composers in the Tamil film industry. A.R. Rahman is known for introducing and mentoring many talented singers including K.S. Chithra, Sadhana Sargam, Shreya Ghoshal, and Neeti Mohan. Archit, Ujjaine (likely Ujjaini), and Mohit Chauhan have been associated with Rahman's music.

The correct answer is S.P.Balasubramanian, who served as the music director for the film Sigaram. Illayaraj is typically spelled as Ilayaraja and is a different composer. M.S.Viswanathan and Sankar-Ganesh were also prominent music directors but not associated with this particular film.

The correct answer is Simbhu (Silambarasan TR), who sang the popular song 'Dil Dil Dil Italy' from the film Red. Hariharan and Harish Ragavendra are established playback singers but didn't sing this particular song. Ajith is primarily an actor though he has sung occasionally, but not for this track.

In the film 'Kasi' (2001), all songs were sung by Hariharan. This was notable as it's uncommon for one singer to render all songs in a complete film soundtrack. SPB, Mano, and Jayachandran are legendary singers but not for this specific film.

In the film Lawaris (1981), the song 'Mere Angane Mein' had two versions - one sung by Amitabh Bachchan and the other by Alka Yagnik, who was then emerging as a playback singer. The veteran singers listed as distractors were not involved in this particular song.

Viju Shah won the first Filmfare Award for Best Background Music in 1992 for his work in 'Vishwatma'. The category was introduced that year to recognize the importance of background score in films.

'Mehboob Mere' from Fiza (2000) was composed by Anu Malik, not A.R. Rahman. Rahman composed the other three songs listed: 'Awara Bhavre' (Sapney), 'Mayya Mayya' (Guru), and 'Piya Hazi Ali' (Fiza).

During the Emergency (1975-1977), Kishore Kumar's songs were banned on All India Radio because he refused to perform at a Congress rally in Bombay. His non-compliance with the government led to this retaliatory action.

'Vande Mataram' is India's national song, composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1882. It's distinct from 'Jana Gana Mana' which is the national anthem. 'Sare Jahan Se Achcha' and 'Ae Mere Watan Ke Logo' are patriotic songs but hold no official constitutional status as national song or anthem.

Strings, the Pakistani pop-rock band, contributed 'Naajaney Kyun' to the Spider-Man 2 soundtrack (2004, not 2004 blockbuster Spiderman). The song gained international exposure through the film.

In the 2006 film 'Don', Amitabh Bachchan did not sing any songs - all songs were sung by professional playback singers. In 'Silsila' he sang 'Neela Aasman So Gaya', in 'Baghban' he sang 'Holi Khele', and in 'Nishabd' he sang 'Come On Come On' - all featuring his voice. This makes 'Don' the correct answer for which film doesn't feature a Bachchan song.

M.S. Subbulakshmi was originally supposed to sing 'Allah Tero Naam, Eshwar Tero Naam' from the 1959 film 'Jaagte Raho', but due to scheduling conflicts, the opportunity went to Lata Mangeshkar, whose rendition became iconic. Geeta Dutt, Asha Bhosle, and Suman Kalyanpur were not the first choice for this particular song.

After their 5-year estrangement (roughly 1958-1963), S.D. Burman and Lata Mangeshkar reconciled for 'Bandini' (1963), which featured memorable songs like 'Mere Ghar Aayi Ek Nanhi Pari'. The film marked their successful reunion and renewed collaboration.